Stowe Area Information

Stowe abounds in activities and attractions, in town and nearby (within an hour). 
The following is a partial list and the information included is subject to change.
It is always wise to call ahead for days and time of operation. 

Those numbers with area code 802 noted are toll calls. 

Spring Summer & Fall ACTIVITIES:

Boat Cruises: The Spirit of Ethan Allen (802-862-9685) is Lake Champlain’s largest excursion vessel.  Several different cruises are offered daily, leaving the Perkin’s Pier in downtown Burlington.  Choose from a scenic cruise, dinner cruise, sunset cruise, or a moonlight cruise.

Boating & Canoeing:  These waterways in the area provide public boat access:  Waterbury Reservoir,  Lake Eden, Lake Elmore and Wolcott Pond located in towns that bear their names. Green River Reservoir is also popular.   River running and kayaking trips can be arranged at Umiak Outfitters (253-2317) on Route 100S.  They offer canoe and kayak rentals as well as guided trips through much of the area’s white water.   AJ's Ski & Sports Shop (253-4593) and Pinnacle Ski & Sports (253-7222) also offer canoe and kayak rentals and helpful information.

Carriage, Stagecoach & Hay Rides: What a wonderful way to see the countryside!  Call Gentle Giants (253-2216), Edson Hill Manor (253-7371), or Trapp Family Lodge (253-8511).  Also, see horseback riding.

Concerts and Special Events:  Throughout the summer Stowe is alive with a variety of cultural events.  The Trapp Family Lodge hosts Stowe Performing Arts’ live classical Music in the Meadow on Sunday evenings, a  Stowe summer tradition.  Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center  provides a wide spectrum of events including live music and concerts, theatre, dance, comedy, film, lectures and multimedia events .   For a complete listing of concerts, productions, and special events, check with our office or Stowe Area Association.

Farms:  Shelburne Farms (802-985-8686)  in Shelburne has guided tours through the 1,400 acre property featuring historic buildings, magnificent agricultural landscape, and perennial gardens.Brochures are available in the office.

Glider Rides:  May-Oct. There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as soaring effortlessly over the Green Mountains of  Vermont in a silent, swift glider from Stowe Soaring (888-7845). Bring your camera. 

Golf:  There are numerous public golf courses in the Stowe area. Many offer practice facilities, instruction and restaurants.  Please stop in our office for golf literature on the following nearby courses:

Gondola Rides:  Stowe Mountain Resort’s 8 passenger gondola offers a scenic ride up magnificent Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest mountain.  While on top, enjoy breathtaking views of the valley and adjacent Worcester Mountain Range.  On a clear day you can spot Mt. Washington in the White Mountain range of New Hampshire as well as the Adirondacks of New York. (253-3000)

Horseback Riding Trail Rides: through Stowe’s fields and woods as well as instruction for all ability levels is offered by  Topnotch Resort (253-8585). Rydervale Stables (888-9464) also has an indoor ring.

Hot Air Ballooning:  See all the beauty of Stowe and the surrounding area from a balloon.  Flights with licensed pilots are available in “ The Spirit of Stoweflake” (253-7355).

Miniature Golf:  Stowe Golf Park (253-9951) located on Rte. 108 is open May-October.

WINTER ACTIVITIES:

Ski & Snowboard Rentals, Downhill: There are many rental shops in Stowe.  Brochures are available in our office.

Skiing, Alpine:  Recently ranked #1 in the East by both Ski and Skiing Magazines, the slopes on Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak are among the best in New England boasting 333” of annual snowfall.  An extensive snow making system and diverse terrain continue to earn Stowe the reputation of the “The Ski Capital of the East”.  Stowe Mountain Resort has skiing and boarding for all ages and all abilities, from the challenging Front Four trails to the intermediate trails off the Gondola and beginner slopes at Spruce Peak.  Stowe Mountain Resort offers 485 skiable acres (16% beginner, 59% intermediate & 25% advanced).  There are 13 lifts: an 8-passenger high-speed gondola, an inter-mountain transfer gondola, 3 high-speed quads, 6 double & triples, 2 surface lifts.  There are 116 trails, the average trail length is 9/10th of a mile, the longest of which, Toll Road, is 3.7 miles.  The lifts operate from 8 AM until 4 PM weekdays & 7:30 AM-4 PM weekends & holidays.  All beginner lessons, children’s programs & rentals are located at Spruce Peak.  Group lessons start promptly at 9:30 AM & 1 PM  at both Spruce & Mt. Mansfield.  Call the Stowe Mountain Resort at 253-3000 for more information.  For snow conditions, call the snow phone at 253-3600. For Ski School Children’s programs, call 253-3682. For daycare, call 253-3686.

Skiing, Cross-Country:  There are four ski touring centers in Stowe that offer an interconnecting trail network via the famed Catamount Trail.  Their combined 150 km of groomed trails is the largest groomed trail network in the East.    The two premier Centers are Mt. Mansfield Touring Center (253-3688) & Trapp Family Lodge (253-8511).  Edson Hill Manor (253-7371) and Topnotch (253-8585) also offer cross-country skiing.  All areas offer rentals and lessons.  The Recreation Path offers 5.3 miles of free, ungroomed cross-country terrain.

Snowmobiling:  Stowe Snowmobile Tours (253-6221) in the lower village offers one and two hour tours into Mount Mansfield State Forest with guides to accommodate all levels of snowmobilers. 

YEAR ROUND ACTIVITIES:

Antique Shops:  Many shops are located in Stowe Village & along Route 100.  Maps and brochures are available in the Stowe Motel office.

Ben & Jerry's (882-1240)  This world-famous ice cream was judged “the best in the world” by Time Magazine.  The factory, located in nearby Waterbury (on Route 100 South), offers factory tours that include free samples.

Cabot Cooperative Creamery:  (802-229-9361) Visit their factory in Cabot or their annex on Route 100S in Waterbury.  Cabot produces a wide variety of Vermont cheeses.  Tour the facilities and sample the “Best of Class” Sharp Vermont Cheddar.

Churches:  Times may vary due to the seasons.  Places of worship in Stowe include:

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Cold Hollow Cider Mill:  Located in Waterbury Center, Cold Hollow is one of the largest cider mills in New England. Tour the mill & watch cider being made.  Open 8 AM- 6 PM daily (June-foliage open until 7 PM).  Wine tasting also available.  Call 244-8771 for more information.

Covered Bridges:  The area has many covered bridges, the most famous being Emily’s Bridge located in Stowe Hollow.  Visit Trapp Family Lodges pdf about covered bridges in the area.

Echo  Lake Aquarium and Science Center:  (877-324-6386) Hands-on Museum with over 60 species of fish, amphibians, invertebrates and retiles on the waterfront in Burlington.

Ethan Allen Homestead:  (802-Echo Fun) Located just north of Burlington.  The Museum lets you relive the daily activities of 18th-century Vermont farm life at the home of Ethan Allen.   Ethan Allen was the founder of Vermont and a hero of the American Revolution.  Daily tours entertain as well as educate visitors about the Native Americans and Colonists who originally settled the area.

Fairbanks Museum: (802 748-2372) Founded and opened in 1891, the Fairbanks Museum is located in the heart of St. Johnsbury’s Main Street Historic District.  The building is a masterpiece of Victorian architecture, with towers, arches, and bas-reliefs carved in limestone and redstone.  Explore three floors of exhibits.  See exotic birds and mammals from Vermont’s backyard and from around the globe.  Take a leisurely stroll through 19th century Vermont.  Travel to the Polynesian tropics or the Arctic wilderness.  Surround yourself with yesteryear’s dolls or prehistoric fossils.  Visit an official US Weather Station or travel to the stars in the planetarium.  The Fairbanks Museum is family fun at its best.

fly fishing stowe

Fishing: The Lamoille River, a classic combination freestone/tailwater trout stream flows from Greensboro bend all the way to Lake Champlain through field and meadows, over falls and rips with many interesting tributaries along the way.  The Winooski River also offers excellent fishing.   The Fly Rod Shop (253-3964) and Catamount Fishing Adventures (253-8500) offers rentals, guide service, and expert information for any fishing needs.

 Florists:

Galleries:  There are several galleries in the Stowe area exhibiting art in many styles and tastes.  Vermont is featured as a common motif.  Local galleries:

Glass Blowing Studios:

Groceries:   Several convenience stores and deli's are available on the Mountain Road (Route 108).  They are Edelweiss, Alpine Market and Harvest Market. Mac’s Stowe Market is located on Route 100S.  Shaws Grocery Store is located 1 mile North of Stowe Village on Route 100.

 Hair Salons:

 Health Clubs:  Stowe is fortunate in having several health clubs and gyms that welcome guests:

Helen Day Art Center:  The Helen Day Art Center (253-8358) and the Stowe Free Library share a restored 1863  Greek Revival building, formerly Stowe High School.  It was saved from destruction to create the non-profit Art Center, which is supported  through memberships and donations.  The Art Center hosts exhibits, small concerts, educational programs, demonstrations, slide presentations, lectures, and children’s programs.  The Helen Day Art Center on School Street has become a vital element in the Community, and a popular attraction for visitors.  Gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday Noon-5 PM.  Admission is $1 for seniors, $2 for adults and free for children.

Hiking:  The Green Mountain State has some of the northeast’s top hiking trails. The 260 mile Long Trail, which spans the entire State, travels directly over Mount Mansfield, providing a challenge to the seasoned hiker.  Mount Mansfield’s many ski trails offer a multitude of optional day-hikes for any level of hiker.  A Ranger is available at the summit building at the top of Mount Mansfield Toll Road and will offer information about the area.  The Green Mountain Club (244-7037), headquartered on Route 100S in Waterbury Center, has books, maps, information and various historic displays. Please stop in the office for information on suggested area hikes.

Download the TrailHUB widget die up-to-date trail conditions and closures for trailer users and bikers.

Download the Trailforks widget, for digital trail maps of each trail pod and their corresponding skill levels.

Ice Skating:  The Ice Arena (253-6148) is located near the Elementary School in the Village and offers undercover ice skating 7 days/week in the winter. There is a small fee for admission and skate rentals. Ice Center of Washington West (244-4040) offers ice skating in Waterbury.  Please stop in the office for their schedule.  

Lake Champlain Ferries (802-425-2504) Shuttles passengers and cars across the lake year-round. The trip provides a unique view of Burlington from the water, and breathtaking vistas of the Adirondacks of New York and the Green Mountains of Vermont. Brochures available in our office.

Laundry: Stowe Laundry Company (253-9332) is located in Stowe Village.

Library:  Located on School Street, the Stowe Free Library (253-6145) and Helen Day Art Center  share a restored 1863 Greek Revival building, formerly the Stowe High School.  The library is the central location for information and independent learning in the community.  The Vermont Room collection which includes books, clippings and reference sources is an excellent place to learn more about Stowe and Vermont.  It  is open Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9:30 AM-5:30 PM, Tuesday & Thursday 2-7 PM, Saturday 10 AM-3 PM.  It is closed Sundays and Town Holidays.

Movie Theaters: There  are several cinemas in the area:

Playground:  Families love the brand new playground in Stowe Village next to the Elementary School.  During the school year, it’s open to the public midweek 8:30-9:40 AM, 10-11 AM, 1-1:30 PM, 2 PM - Dusk.  Saturdays, Sundays and summers, it is open all day.

Recreation Path:    One of President Bush’s “Thousand Points of Light”, Stowe’s nationally recognized greenway starts in the Village behind the Community Church and follows the Mountain Road for 5.3 miles where it ends on Brook Road.  The path offers its travelers beautiful scenic views of the West Branch River, the surrounding countryside, and Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield. To access the Recreational Path, go past our garage and turn right on Luce Hill Road, go over the bridge (use extreme caution while crossing bridge) and the Recreational Path is the very next right.

Rock Climbing Instruction is available at Umiak Outfitters (253-2317) on Route 100S.

Rock of Ages (802- 476-3119) is located in Barre (better known as Graniteville). It’s the world’s largest granite quarries where top grade granite is excavated.  Free self guided tours daily in spring, summer and fall (8:30 AM to 5 PM).

Shelburne Museum (802 985-3346)  Located just south of Burlington on Route 7.  The Shelburne Museum is a striking portrayal of Vermont.  The Museum offers a day of fun and adventure, while learning about Vermont’s past.  Summer hours (late May to late October) are 10 AM-5 PM daily.  Please ask our office for discount coupons to Shelburne Museum.

Shopping:  Boutiques, gift shops, specialty stores, clothing and furniture shops abound in Stowe.

Ski Museum (253-9911) Open Wednesday-Sunday Noon- 5 PM  (except during off-season).  Enjoy Vermont Ski History exhibits, presentations and also the Vermont Museum Hall of Fame with photos and publications.

Sleigh Rides:   Numerous opportunities to enjoy the delights of a sleigh ride:

Spas:   Spend the day relaxing at the Spa at Topnotch Resort (253-8585) or the Stoweflake Spa (253-7355).

Swimming:  The Swimming Hole, Stowe's newly built community indoor pool facility with aqua fitness classes, group swimming lessons, and exercise equipment.  Discounted  day passes can be purchased in our office. 

Taxi Service:  Peg’s Pick Up  (253-9490/ 800-370-9490), Jessica's Vital Transit (279-8251),  or the Blazer Transportation Group (253-0013).

Tennis, Indoor:  Topnotch Racquet Club.  Call 253-8585 for availability.

Theater:  Throughout the summer Stowe is alive with a variety of cultural events.  The Stowe Theater Guild (253-3961),the Lamoille County Players (888-4507), Waterbury Festival Players (498-3755)  present a variety of plays.  

Toll Road:  Drive or walk to the top of Mount Mansfield on this 4.5 mile winding road.  From the top, a short walk brings you to the summit for unparalleled views. 

Tours:    Mountain View Tours (635-2002) offers scenic tours in the Champlain Valley, the Northeast Kingdom & North-Central Vermont.  Stowe Lantern Tours (244-1173) offers evening tours in the Village with candle lit lanterns and wonderful stories of Stowe and Vermont.

Train Station  (AMTRAK) is in Waterbury, 10 miles south of Stowe (800-872-7245).

Trolley Service (253-7585) This free service runs daily during the winter between Stowe Village and the Stowe Mountain Resort with stops at any safe location where someone is waiting and flags it down.  Twice weekly trips to Morrisville are also available.   Please pick up schedule in our office.

Vermont State Capitol (802-828-2228) In Montpelier, tour one of the nation’s most beautiful Capitol buildings.  Built in 1859, this is the third Capitol building to stand on the site.  The Senate Chamber, Hall of Representatives and recently restored Reception Room are outstanding examples of the period.  This lovely building is easy to find, just head for the gold dome when you take exit 8 off I-89.

Vermont Teddy Bear Company (800 829-BEAR) is located on Route 7, Shelburne. See hand-crafted teddy bears being made in the Vermont Teddy Bear Company’s newly expanded facility!  Visit the Bear Shop and join them for a free tour of this very special factory.

Von Trapp History Tours:  The tour begins with an overview of the von Trapp family history  actual vs. movie version, discussion of the property's history and the family's early years in America. View a documentary film of Maria von Trapp's memories during her final visit to her former home in Salzburg, Austria. 11am—12:30pm. $15 per Adult, $5 per Child.  Ask our front desk for details.